Jilted lover jailed for brutal assault and coercive control after terrorising ex
Obsession turns violent in whirlwind relationship
Victoria O’Doherty’s brief relationship with Mario Sassano quickly spiraled into a nightmare. Consumed by jealousy, Sassano accused Victoria of cheating and even threatened her ex-partner. He stalked her every move — sifting through her phone and isolating her from friends and family.
Chilling attack over a glance at a stranger
The abuse reached a terrifying peak when Sassano dragged Victoria by her hair, sat on her chest, and strangled her with his dressing gown belt because he suspected she’d looked at another man. Victoria feared she would suffocate and die. Yet Sassano begged for forgiveness, apologising profusely.
Manipulation, threats, and twisted demands
Haunted by the death of a former girlfriend in 2015, Sassano used this to justify his possessiveness and threatened suicide if Victoria left him — warning her she’d be responsible. Despite his violent outbursts, he showered her with attention and insisted they needed no one else.
When Victoria tried to end the relationship in January 2021, Sassano bombarded her with emails and showed up uninvited. On one occasion, he dragged her from her car by the hair — then shockingly proposed marriage.
Victoria fights back, Sassano faces justice
Sassano even tried to silence Victoria with a £10,000 bribe to keep quiet about his assaults. But she refused the money and went straight to police.
He was arrested in May 2022 and charged with assault and coercive control. At his January 2024 trial, Sassano pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years behind bars, including three years for assault and two years for coercive control, to run consecutively alongside time served.
“No other woman should ever have to suffer such horrendous, horrific abuse. Perpetrators isolate you making you feel alone. You are never alone. If you can find the courage, reach out to someone close and you won’t be judged,” Victoria urged.
She also urged victims to use Claire’s Law, a confidential tool to uncover a partner’s past abusive behaviour, saying: “Not enough people know about it, as I never did. It may prevent abuse before it begins.”
Police praise courage and vow support for victims
Police Staff Investigating Officer Kathryn Burns said, “No woman should suffer violence and psychological abuse like this. I applaud Victoria’s courage in bringing Sassano to justice.”
“Sassano has a history of similar allegations. We’re relieved he’s behind bars to protect others. We take all abuse seriously and provide specialist support services alongside partner agencies and charities to help victims rebuild their lives.”
